Ade Lemmer

Adrian "Ade" Lemmer was a man with a generous spirit, a zest for life that helped him triumph over every challenge he faced, and a fearless spirit that drew so many people to him. He was a fighter, a father, and a friend, but what he was most of all, was an example to others.

Ade was born November 27, 1910 in Kalamazoo, the eldest of three sons to August and Suzie (VanDam) Lemmer. Ade's father was a hardworking steel worker, while his mother raised the children at home. The family was dealt a difficult blow in those early days during World War I, as Ade's infant brother died suddenly. But Ade learned perseverance, as the family overcame that tragedy. The Lemmer house was a big wood home, with huge rooms, including two stories and basement, and Ade was taught to do his part from a young age, and his chores were to clean the yard and keep his room clean. Every Sunday was a special time for the Lemmers, and the family went to church in the morning and sometimes even at night. Sundays were reserved as quiet days for the family, and though they had no TV or radio in those days, on some Sundays they would listen to their Victrola record player for entertainment. Ade had an active youth, and played many sports and games. He excelled at baseball, which was always his favorite, and loved run-sheep-run, and duck on a rock. He'd often ride his bike around with his friends, and would fight with other boys in the other neighborhoods. Fearless Ade never backed down from a fight, as you can imagine.

Ade graduated from the Kalamazoo schools when he was 18, and went to work in a local garage right out of high school. In the summertime he spent those hot sunny days picking celery in the fields, and was never afraid of hard work. Of course, Ade wasn't afraid of much of anything, and at the age of 20, began boxing as an amateur. He boxed for five years as an amateur, honing the skills he began as a boy on the streets of Kalamazoo, and traveled to other states. Then at 25, he turned professional, and had great success. In one match in Alpena, Mich., he even had legendary prizefighter Jack Dempsey as a referee! Ade was a natural, and even won the S.W. Michigan Championship as a welterweight (147-162 pounds). He always said didn't get hurt very often, because he usually won!

But Ade eventually quit his prizefighting, because he wanted to win something else - the heart of a girl. He had met a beautiful young woman named Marie Kloosterman, who attended his church. Ade and his friends were helping build the Bethany Reformed Church, where he was a lifelong member, and Marie and her friends would drive by and talk to them, impressed by this strapping young fighter. So Ade quit boxing to take a steadier job as a printer, so he could afford to get married and provide for his family. Marie was attending school in Boston, and when she returned home to Kalamazoo, she and Ade were married on September 3, 1936, beginning a lifelong love affair. The happy young couple even honeymooned in New York and Boston. Soon the Lemmers would be blessed with two children, son Thomas and daughter Karen, rounding out their happy family.

Although the print business was steady, Ade always had a passion for cars. He loved cars, and working on them, so it was only natural that he would own a couple of service stations. He loved the business, and had a passion for learning new things, so when the automotive industry introduced the first automatic transmissions, Ade wanted to know all about them. He attended the Ferris State Institute to become an automatic transmission specialist, and after graduation, he owned the Transmission Clinic in Paw Paw for five years. After many years in the automotive business, Ade semi-retired in 1974 and became a real estate agent for a few years. Sadly, his beloved Marie died in 1978, but Ade persevered, just as he always had.

Ade spent the last 30 years at his summer home in Pentwater, Michigan, a truly special place for him. As his son Tom put it, "Pentwater was a special place for Dad, and was a common bond that three generations were able to share." His children and grandchildren loved spending time with him there, the place that he truly called home. He loved to fish - and especially, lived to golf - with his good neighbors and friends there. Being a natural athlete, Ade was a great golfer and played the game until he was 88 years old!

Of course, Ade lived a full and vibrant life every single day, always making the most of his time. He enjoyed visiting his son in California and taking pictures of everywhere he was (he seldom was seen without that camera). And his lifelong passion for automobiles included driving them, of course. He always felt better when he was the guy behind the wheel, and always said he would never give up his car. He finally stopped driving three months before his 95th birthday, thanks to defensive drivers - and a lot of duct tape! He was fearless, remember.

Ade was indeed fearless, but he was also so lovable. For the past year and a half, Ade resided at Park Village Pines where he received truly exceptional care. He always loved to be with people and had so many dear friends, who were drawn to his kindness and generosity. He was the kind of friend who was always there for you, and always liked to help out. To know Ade truly was to love him.

Ade was known by so many, and loved by all. He was a fighter, a father, and a friend, as well as an example. To those who knew and loved him, Ade will forever be remembered for his generosity and kindness. He will be greatly missed.

Adrian "Ade" Lemmer, age 95, of Kalamazoo, died December 31, 2005 at Park Village Pines. He was born November 27, 1910 in Kalamazoo, the son of August and Suzie (VanDam) Lemmer. Learn more about Ade, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the BETZLER LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOME, Stadium Drive, West of US-131. A Life Story Service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Robert Terwilliger of Bethany Reformed Church speaking. Food and fellowship will follow in the Life Story Center at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. He was preceded in death by his wife Marie (Kloosterman) Lemmer in 1978 and by a brother Leo Lemmer in 2001. Members of Ade's family include two children: Dr. Thomas (Barbara) Lemmer of Santa Cruz, CA; Karen (John) Way of Kalamazoo; six grandchildren: Jodie Lemmer, Andrew (Cheryl) Lemmer, Cindy (Bob) Grant, Katie Lemmer, Michelle (Quentin) Solis, Staci Lajiness; seven great grandchildren: Michael, Britney, Alexsa, Emily, Zach, Ben, Tyler and by a niece, Audrey Lemmer of Kalamazoo. To read Ade's complete Life Story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make memorial contributions to Bethany Reformed Church or Park Village Pines, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.